Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety at times When anxiety becomes a disorder it can cause physical symptoms as well as emotional ones. This can include a feeling of agitation, muscle tension, stomach issues and more.

A psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist will employ screening tools to determine if you have an anxiety disorder. They will also ask you about your medical history, and perform tests to rule out any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

Many people feel anxious from time to time. An anxiety disorder is when these symptoms are continuous or more frequent. Anxiety can affect your daily life and make it difficult to participate in social situations.

The most frequent physical sign of anxiety is headaches. They can range from a tension headache2 up to a full-blown, migraine in some people. A lot of people tighten their muscles as part of their fight-or-flight reaction, and holding them in a rigid position for a long duration can cause pain.

Lightheadedness or dizziness is another physical sign of anxiety. It can be caused by a fast heart rate, hyperventilating, or the combination of both. It could be a sign you have an underlying medical condition such as heart disease. Consult your doctor to find out.

You might also feel weak, particularly in your arms or legs. This can be a sign of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which aid in responding to a threat by speeding up your heartbeat and prepare your body for a potential attack. In time, however these hormones can have a negative effect on your health and could cause you to feel shakey, weak, or dizzy.

If you have trouble getting enough rest due to anxiety, it can cause your symptoms to get worse. Relax before going to bed and stick to the same routine. This will help you get more sleep. Exercise can be beneficial. Exercise can also help. Consult your physician if you are still having trouble sleeping.

2. Stomach issues

The body tenses up in response to anxiety and if you have chronic anxiety it can result in persistent discomfort. Your muscles could hurt and your stomach may feel a bit sluggish, or you could experience diarrhea. Your gastrointestinal system can also be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, which can cause constipation, bloating or irritable bowel syndrome.

People suffering from panic disorders are at a higher risk of having stomach issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings or a fear of imminent doom. They can occur in certain situations or without apparent reason. You may feel as if you’re experiencing a heart attack or that you’re unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains or an extremely rapid pulse.

Chronic anxiety can increase your risk for other health problems, too. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms help us respond to danger, but if you’re on high alert throughout the day your immune system could suffer. This can make you more vulnerable to catching the common cold as well as other diseases.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting a physical examination and a conversation about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they will rule out other causes, such as thyroid and heart diseases. A mental health professional can also provide support and assistance to manage your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and assist you to work through any underlying trauma or negative experiences that may have caused anxiety. They can also help you in locating the best treatment for you. Ask your doctor for a referral or check online therapist directories to find an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

Many people are aware that a racing pulse and a jittery hand are indicators of anxiety. But, they don’t realize that chronic muscle tension could be an indication of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific fears. If someone is experiencing these symptoms regularly, they can lose their range and suffer from chronic discomfort in their back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a typical sign of anxiety disorders because the body’s fight-or flight response triggers a cascade of bodily reactions that result in us physically reacting to perceived threats. These reactions are a normal part of our survival instincts however, they can lead to problems in the long run if they are repeated over a prolonged period of time.

When a real danger is present the adrenal glands produce hormones that increase the speed of your heartbeat, so that more blood can be delivered to the muscles of your arms or legs in the event that you have to escape or fight. These increased heart rates also increase the rate at which your lungs fill up with oxygen. The combination of tension and hyperventilation could make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

When you have an anxiety disorder, however, your body can’t return to its normal state of relaxation between stress responses. You are constantly anxious throughout the day due to the anxiety disorder, and you keep your sympathetic nervous system on alert. This causes the constant tension in your muscles that can eventually cause long-term pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system causing stomachaches, diarrhea, constipation or irritable-bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

If you’re a stressed-out person you might be shaky and unbalanced. This is because of the nervous system’s response to anxiety. When you are worried or anxious your body tightens and then relaxes. If, however, your anxiety is recurring and you experience these symptoms regularly you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

If you’re constantly stressed on a regular basis it can be difficult to focus or get enough sleep. It also causes havoc to your body, and could cause you to gain weight, as per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety also has a big effect on your menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to miss your periods or experience irregular menstrual cycles by altering hormones that cause menstrual ovulation.

You may be more prone to anxiety if you have high blood pressure or heart problems. It’s important to control these medical conditions to lower your risk. If you’re suffering from any of these conditions, make sure to tell your therapist.

Other things that can increase your risk of anxiety are traumatic experiences like being in a car accident or having surgery. A recurring medical condition like asthma or chronic health issues like diabetes can also cause anxiety. The good news is that there are solutions that can help with anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can be helpful. CBT teaches you how to transform negative behavior patterns and thoughts that cause anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn to use relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing. You can also take supplements to help calm your mind and body.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a broad term for a range of daunting feelings that can make your heart beat faster and your stomach turn a bit upset, and your muscles tense. These symptoms alone aren’t enough to trigger anxiety disorder but when they become chronic, it can be a problem. You might also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms which prompt you to seek medical assistance.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health The National Institute of Mental Health, sweating is a frequent physical manifestation of anxiety disorders. When your body’s “fight-or-flight” response kicks in, it boosts the speed of blood circulation to prepare you for the fight. This increase in heart rate can cause you to feel exhausted and dizzy. Breathing faster than normal–also known as hyperventilation–can enhance many of these physical symptoms by upsetting the balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide in your body, according to U.S. National Library of Medicine.

This imbalance can also cause an uneasy feeling that you are not breathing and is known as dyspnea. It’s an indication that your anxiety is getting too severe to control.

Your doctor will evaluate your anxiety disorders by looking at your symptoms and how they interfere with your daily routine. You’ll be asked about previous experiences as well as your current concerns. They may also conduct tests to check for other health issues that may be contributing to your symptoms, like imaging scanners and blood tests. In some instances, they may suggest medications to ease the symptoms. These include strong antiperspirants with aluminium in them, drugs that block nerves, or Botox injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.